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Based on the timeline, which of the following embryologic processes is most likely occurring in the embryo at this stage?

🔍 Morning Quiz ☕️ 

A 24-year-old woman with regular 28-day menstrual cycles presents to the clinic after missing her period. Her last menstrual period began 7 weeks ago, and she had unprotected intercourse once 5 weeks ago. She has no significant medical history. A urine pregnancy test confirms she is pregnant.

Based on the timeline, which of the following embryologic processes is most likely occurring in the embryo at this stage?

A. Blastocyst implantation
B. Gastrulation
C. Intestinal fixation to the abdominal wall
D. Neural crest migration
E. Primitive alveoli formation

Correct Answer 🎯: D. Neural crest migration

⚙️

🧠 Fertilization (Day 0) → Formation of Zygote

⚙ Morula Formation (Day 3-4) → Early Cell Division

⚙ Blastocyst Formation (Day 5-6) → Ready for Implantation

🧠 Blastocyst Implants in Uterus (Day 6-10) → hCG Production Begins

⚙ Gastrulation (Week 3) → 3 Germ Layers Formed (Ectoderm, Mesoderm, Endoderm)

⚙ Neural Crest Migration (Week 5) → Key Organ & Tissue Development Begins ✅

  • Peripheral ganglia 🧠 → Sensory & Autonomic Nervous System

  • Schwann cells ⚙ → Myelination of Peripheral Nerves

  • Adrenal medulla 🔥 → Catecholamine Production

  • Craniofacial structures 🏗 → Skull, Face, Pharyngeal Arches

  • Aorticopulmonary septum ❤️ → Heart Outflow Tract Formation

⚖️ Explanation of Other Differentials

Differential ⚖️

Time Frame ⚙️

Why Incorrect? 🔴

Blastocyst Implantation

Day 6-10

Already completed by 5 weeks post-conception

Gastrulation

Week 3

Completed earlier, now forming specialized tissues

Intestinal Fixation

Week 10+

Occurs later, after midgut returns to abdomen

Primitive Alveoli Formation

Week 16+

Happens in the Canalicular stage, not at week 5

⌛️ Practice Time!

UWorld Questions with IDs-

108284, 955, 1490, 507

Stay Hungry, Stay Curious!

Your Brother in this Struggle

Dr. Shoaib Ahmad

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